When traveling to a foreign country, it is a great idea to befriend some locals. Locals can give you unique and inside perspectives on the culture, and take you to places that are off the beaten path. This article will give you some tips about how to make friends with the locals next time you travel.
If you are traveling to Europe with electronic gadgets, remember that the voltage for household outlets is going to be different than in North America. This means that you’ll either need to bring a converter so that you can plug American goods into European power, or find appliances that can handle a range of voltages.
When traveling to a country outside of North America and Western Europe, carry cash or pre-purchased traveler’s checks. You cannot count on your credit or debit card to work the same way it does at home, nor is there any guarantee of access to ATMs. Converting your money or buying traveler’s checks before you leave also protects you against unscrupulous money changers.
When traveling, even in developed nations, always assume your hands are contaminated. Don’t put your fingers in your mouth and avoid eating with your hands. Chances are good you’ve come into contact with hundreds of people and thousands of surfaces, any one of which could be carrying a disease that you aren’t prepared for.
Jogging at a rest stop, while on a road trip, is a fast way to wake up, relieve stiffness from your limbs and prepare yourself for the next leg of your journey. Instead of simply walking around and maybe going to the bathroom, include a five minute jog at the rest stop. Simply getting out of the car may not sufficiently revive a weary driver, which may leave him or her still sleepy when on return. A quick run can also give children an opportunity to release some pent-up energy.
Before heading off on your vacation, make sure to go online and check out the wide variety of travel forums that are available. These sits allow travelers to answer other user’s questions about various destinations. They can provide a wealth of information on restaurants, hotels and attractions.
To ensure you receive the most personal and high quality service from your chosen hotel, call at night. The night desk clerks are usually much less busy than those working in the daytime, and are therefore, both willing and able to take you through the steps of securing the best deals.
For the inside scoop, join a travel forum months before you decide on a destination or lodging. People who enjoy traveling and discussing their experiences are an excellent source of information and most remain completely objective when making recommendations and offering detailed reviews and information.
Take advantage of the hotel’s ice machines when you are traveling. Many people enjoy having a cup of coffee in the morning, but they often dislike the way hotel coffee tastes. The ice machines use filtered water, so try putting ice in the machine the night before and allowing it to melt. The difference in taste between coffee made with filtered water instead of tap water is amazing.
Stay up as late as possible, or at least until around 8 o’clock in the evening, to help adapt to the time change. Stay up even if you feel tired, or you will never adapt to the new time zone and remain jet lagged. It’s easier to overcome jet lag if you adjust to the local time as quickly as possible.
Review the cancellation policy of any hotel or car rental company that you are considering using for your travel needs. If you are able to back out of the reservation, look into other offers when the time to travel gets closer. You may find that you will save a good bit of money or get a better room or car for the same amount.
It can be difficult to eat healhty while traveling. Skip the roadside restaurants, but instead bring your own food. Pack your cooler with fruits and vegetables, crackers, yogurt, granola bars and cheese. These things are easy to pack, and easy to eat while on the road. Don’t forget the water, it will help you stay hydrated as you drive.
If you are travelling to a far away destination which is in an interesting region, than you should consider visiting more than one country. Most of the time it will be difficult to make a return trip to Asia, Australia and so on. So take full advantage of your time in any of these farflung regions.
When traveling by air many people have issues with the air pressure changes. A great way to tackle the air pressure issue is to chew gum when the plane is taking off. It will help to keep the pressure from building up and allow you to have a smooth take off.
Make sure you speak with your banker before you go out of the country. You want to make sure that your cards are able to be used in the country you are traveling to. You should call all of your cards just in case you have an emergency and need extra money.
When traveling by air with a companion, take advantage of having separate checked luggage and spread your belongings between the various bags. This way, if one person’s luggage is lost by the airline they will at least have access to some basics while they wait for the bag to catch up.
If you are going to be traveling abroad and there are perhaps dangers in the country that you are traveling to, register your stay with the US Embassy a few weeks before you arrive. Let the US Embassy know when you arrive there in that country. This way they will know there are US citizens there and if something happens they can help.
As was stated at the beginning of this article, befriending locals is a great idea when visiting a foreign country. Locals can take you places that you would not otherwise see just sticking to tours. Apply the advice from this article next time you travel, and you will be sure to appreciate a unique and different adventure from your regular travel plans.
